Casseroles, A Meal in a Pot

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Stews are meals in a pot cooked by heat that comes from the bottom of the pan. Casseroles are also meals in a pot but cooked in an oven where the heat surrounds the whole pan. Casserole comes from the French, meaning "sauce pan," a large deep dish or pot used in the oven.

Casseroles have been around since medieval times and their popularity still continues to grow today. You see them being prepared on all the popular cook shows. They are a meal in a pan. All your ingredients for one meal are in one place, including meat, vegetables, starches and in some recipes, your dairy too.

Tuna noodle casserole is one of the all time favorites. It is easy to make and inexpensive. Take two cans of tuna, drained and flaked, three cups of cooked egg noodles (follow directions on package) chopped celery, chopped green or regular onions, mustard and mayonnaise (both optional) salt, your choice of cheese (shredded). This recipe uses Monterey Jack, one small zucchini, scrubbed ad sliced and one medium chopped tomato (optional). Combine all ingredients except cheese and zucchini in a buttered casserole dish, top with layer of zucchini, and then a layer of cheese. Add another layer of zucchini until all cheese and zucchini is used and cook until hot and bubbly. This recipe can be found at http://www.kitchenlink.com/mf/31/37163. Of course this recipe varies from family to family and generation to generation.

Casserole recipes have been handed down through the generations, by family, friends or relatives. Some dishes are time honored hand-me-downs related to their ethnicity and through the relocation of family members have become favorites in other countries as well.